Rally Camping 
Sturgis Mustang Rally 2026: Complete Guide to Events, Cruises and where to Stay in Sturgis SD
2026 Sturgis Mustang Rally: Schedule, Events & Things to Know
Get ready for six days of Mustangs, horsepower, racing and incredible Black Hills driving!
The 2026 Sturgis Mustang Rally takes place September 1–6, 2026, in Sturgis, South Dakota. This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Sturgis Mustang Rally, bringing Mustang owners and enthusiasts together from across the country.
The Sturgis Mustang Rally is much more than a traditional car show. The week is packed with scenic Black Hills cruises, autocross, drag racing, burnouts, a Mustang Rodeo, driving school, poker runs, the Main Street Show & Shine and the Mustang Parade through downtown Sturgis.
Whether you’re bringing your own Mustang or simply love cars, here’s what you can look forward to.
Tuesday, September 1 – Welcome to the Black Hills
The week kicks off in Spearfish, South Dakota, with a Mustang Brunch and Mustang-only parking on Hudson Street from 11 AM–2 PM.
Visitors can participate in a scavenger hunt, explore Spearfish and meet other Mustang enthusiasts arriving for the rally.
Registration takes place at the Thunderdome from 2–5 PM.
At 5 PM, head to the Welcome Social at Sturgis Brewing Company to officially kick off Mustang Rally week.
Wednesday, September 2 – Driving School, Ponies for Patriots & Mustang Rodeo
Wednesday brings the action to the Thunderdome.
The BFGoodrich Personalized Driving School offers morning and afternoon sessions for drivers looking to improve their skills.
At noon, don’t miss “Ponies for Patriots,” a special tribute cruise honoring our military, veterans and first responders.
Later that afternoon, it’s time for one of the rally’s most unique events—the Mustang Rodeo.
Check-in and staging begin at 5 PM, the drivers meeting is at 5:30 PM and competition begins at 6 PM.
Afterward, the party continues at the Iron Horse Saloon.
Thursday, September 3 – Autocross, Deadwood & Burnouts
Thursday is a full day of Mustang action.
Start the morning with breakfast at the Knuckle before heading to the Thunderdome for the Autocross Test & Tune.
Drivers can also participate in the Deadwood Fun Run from 7 AM–4 PM, including Mustang parking on historic Deadwood Main Street from 1–4 PM.
Back at the Thunderdome, the afternoon and evening bring the Launch Box competition, followed by the always-popular Burnout Competition.
If you like horsepower, tire smoke and Mustang performance, Thursday is a day you won’t want to miss.\
Friday, September 4 – Poker Run, Autocross, U-Drags & Barrel Racing
Friday is another big performance day.
The Southern Hills Poker Run begins at 8 AM, giving participants an opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful roads in the Black Hills.
Back at the Thunderdome, the day includes Autocross Qualifying for Outlaw, Ladies and Youth classes.
There’s also an exciting NEW U-Drags competition.
Friday evening brings Barrel Racing at 6 PM, followed immediately by a Drifting Exhibition.
Saturday, September 5 – Show & Shine and Mustang Parade
Saturday is one of the biggest days of the entire Sturgis Mustang Rally.
Mustangs begin lining up early at the Sturgis Community Center.
From 10 AM–4 PM, downtown Sturgis comes alive for the Mustang Show & Shine on Main Street.
This is a great opportunity for visitors to walk Main Street, see an incredible variety of Mustangs and meet their owners.
At noon, the official Main Street photo will be taken.
At 1 PM, head to the Knuckle Saloon for the Mustang Auction, followed by the Tommy Brandt Concert from 2:30–4 PM.
Then comes one of the highlights of the entire weekend.
5 PM – Mustang Parade Down Sturgis Main Street
Watch Mustangs cruise through downtown Sturgis during the official Mustang Parade.
During the parade, there will also be a Loud Pipes Contest in front of the Loud American Roadhouse.
And the day isn’t over yet!
At 6 PM, the Mustang Drag Racing Competition begins at Sturgis Dragway.
Sunday, September 6 – Championship Day
The final day of the rally begins with Cowboy Church from 8–9 AM.
Then it’s back to the Thunderdome for another day of racing.
Street Class Autocross qualifying takes place during the morning.
From 1–5 PM, competitors battle it out during the Autocross Finals for the Outlaw, Ladies, Youth and Street classes.
There will also be a Sturgis Mustang Rally 20th Anniversary Prize Shoot Out with cash and prizes.
The week wraps up at 6 PM with the Banquet Dinner, Awards Ceremony and Auction at the Thunderdome.
Sturgis Mustang Rally Headquarters
Many of the week’s events take place at:
The Thunderdome
12998 SD Highway 34
Sturgis, South Dakota
Schedules and event times can change, so be sure to check the official Sturgis Mustang Rally schedule during your visit.
Don’t Forget to Explore the Black Hills
One of the best parts of bringing a Mustang to Sturgis is having some of America’s most beautiful driving roads right outside of town.
Make time to explore Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood, Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore.
Whether you’re driving a vintage Mustang, Shelby, Mach 1, GT or the newest generation Mustang, the curves and scenery of the Black Hills make for an unforgettable road trip.
Looking for a Place to Stay During the Sturgis Mustang Rally?
Make Days End Campground, Cabins & RV Park your home base for the 2026 Sturgis Mustang Rally.
We’re conveniently located in Sturgis, making it easy to enjoy rally activities while having a comfortable place to come back to after a full day of cars, racing and Black Hills adventures.
We offer:
- Full-hookup RV sites
- Cabins
- Tent camping
- Glamping accommodations
- Restrooms and showers
- A convenient Sturgis location
Traveling with a Mustang club or group? Contact us about staying together during the rally.
Days End Campground, Cabins & RV Park
2501 Avalanche Road
Sturgis, SD 57785
Come for the Mustangs. Stay for the Black Hills.
The 20th Annual Sturgis Mustang Rally, September 1–6, 2026, is shaping up to be an incredible week.
Come see the cars, meet fellow Mustang enthusiasts, experience the racing and competitions, cruise the Black Hills and enjoy everything Sturgis has to offer.
We look forward to welcoming Mustang Rally visitors to Days End Campground!
Sturgis Mustang Rally 2026 – Quick Information
Planning a trip to the Sturgis Mustang Rally? Days End Campground, Cabins & RV Park offers convenient lodging in Sturgis, South Dakota, for Mustang Rally attendees. Choose from cabins, full-hookup RV sites, tent camping, and other lodging options while staying close to Sturgis Mustang Rally events and the scenic drives of the Black Hills.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sturgis Mustang Rally
Where is the Sturgis Mustang Rally held?
The Sturgis Mustang Rally takes place in and around Sturgis, South Dakota, with events, cruises, competitions, and activities throughout the beautiful Black Hills.
Where can I stay for the Sturgis Mustang Rally?
Days End Campground, Cabins & RV Park is located in Sturgis and offers cabins, RV sites, and camping for visitors attending the Sturgis Mustang Rally.
Is there RV camping near the Sturgis Mustang Rally?
Yes. Days End Campground offers RV camping in Sturgis, making it convenient for Mustang owners traveling to the rally with an RV or motorhome.
Are there cabins near the Sturgis Mustang Rally?
Yes. Days End Campground offers cabins in Sturgis for guests who want a comfortable place to stay during the Mustang Rally.
What else can I do while visiting Sturgis?
Visitors can explore the Black Hills, including scenic drives, Deadwood, Spearfish Canyon, Mount Rushmore, and many other popular South Dakota attractions.
Stay in Sturgis for the Mustang Rally
Make Days End Campground, Cabins & RV Park your home base for the Sturgis Mustang Rally. Stay close to the action while enjoying easy access to Sturgis and the Black Hills.
2501 Avalanche Road, Sturgis, SD 57785
605-347-2331
Reserve your cabin, RV site, or campsite early for the Sturgis Mustang Rally.